image credit: adventuresofabeautyqueen.comHabitat: New ZealandStatus: Species range from Near Threatened to Vulnerable, to Critically Endangered

The national symbol of New Zealand is none other than the Kiwi. A nocturnal, flightless bird, the five species of Kiwi on Earth are all endangered due to habitat destruction and invasive mammalian predators.

This is truly a very unique creature as it has several interesting features about it. For one, though Kiwis are the size of domestic chickens, they are able to lay eggs that are 6 times larger than that of a chicken. Kiwis actually lay the largest egg in relation to their body size of any bird in the world.

Kiwis also have a very acute sense of smell (which is highly unusual for a bird) and are the only birds with nostrils at the end of their beaks! These remarkable creatures can find insects and worms underground without actually seeing or feeling them, due to their keen sense of smell.

But my favorite part about the Kiwi is that once bonded, two birds form a monogamous couple for life. These relationships may last for up to 20 years! How cuuuute.

Speaking of cute, check out this short animation featuring a Kiwi bird who wants to fly desperately and will do just about anything to reach his goal: (seriously you have to watch this)

About Carly

I have a confession: I love animals. Join me and the rest of the Featured Creature community as we learn about the weirdest, coolest, and craziest animals out there. Including your dog, Mr. Scrufflebutt (if you submit him!).